🔗 Share this article

UN's top security body has approved a US-backed resolution that supports Moroccan claim regarding the disputed territory, despite significant opposition from neighboring Algeria.

Split Decision Strengthens Moroccan Stance

While the recent vote was divided, the measure constitutes the most significant support yet for Morocco's plan to maintain sovereignty over the territory, which also has backing from the majority of European Union members and a increasing number of African partners.

Measure Framework and Key Elements

The document describes Morocco's proposal as a foundation for talks. As with earlier measures, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that contains sovereignty as an choice, which represents the solution traditionally favored by the independence-seeking Polisario Front and its supporters.

Real autonomy under Morocco's sovereignty could constitute a most practical solution.

Historical Information

Western Sahara is a phosphate-rich stretch of coastal desert the size of a US state which was under Spanish rule until the mid-1970s. It is asserted by both Morocco and the Polisario movement, which functions from temporary settlements in southwestern Algeria and claims to speak for the indigenous people indigenous to the disputed territory.

Voting Patterns and Global Responses

The US, which sponsored the measure, guided 11 countries in voting in support, while 3 countries – multiple nations – abstained. The neighboring country, Polisario's primary benefactor, did not vote.

The US ambassador, the US representative to the United Nations, said the decision had been "historic" and would "build on the momentum for a much-delayed resolution in the region".

The Algerian ambassador, the Algerian representative to the United Nations, commented that while the measure was an improvement on earlier versions, it "contains a number of deficiencies".

Peacekeeping Mission and Future Assessment

The resolution also extends the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara for an additional twelve months, as has been implemented for more than thirty years. Prior renewals, though, have not contained a reference to Moroccan and its allies' preferred resolution.

The UN resolution urges all sides involved to "take this unprecedented chance for a lasting resolution." Depending on developments, it requests the secretary general to assess the peacekeeping mission's authority within half a year.

Area Impact and Current Conditions

The change could disrupt a protracted process that for decades has escaped settlement, desdespite a UN security mission that was intended to be short-term. Demonstrations have ensued in Sahrawi settlements in Algeria this recent period, where people have vowed not to abandon their struggle for self-determination.

Morocco administers nearly all of the territory, excluding a narrow area known as the "free zone" that lies east of a Moroccan-built barrier.

Past Context and Current Developments

A 1991 ceasefire was meant to pave the way for a vote on independence, but disagreements over voter eligibility blocked it from occurring.

Through time, the Moroccan government has developed the disputed region, building a deepwater port and a long highway. Government support keep basic commodity costs low, and the population has ballooned as Moroccan citizens establish homes in cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune.

The movement ended the ceasefire in 2020 after clashes near a route Morocco was paving to neighboring Mauritania.

The movement has subsequently frequently reported security operations, while Morocco has mostly rejected claims of active fighting. The United Nations calls it "low-level tensions".

Global Diplomacy and Future Possibilities

In response to the proposed measure, Polisario said that it would not participate in any initiative aiming "to validate Morocco's unauthorized presence," saying peace "cannot happen by rewarding expansionism".

The situation represents the central issue in regional international relations. Morocco views endorsement of its proposal as a standard for how it gauges its international partners.

Last October, the UN envoy proposed dividing the territory, a proposal no party agreed to. He encouraged Morocco to specify what self-rule would involve and warned that a absence of development might question the United Nations' role and "if there remains opportunity and readiness for us to still be effective."

The push to reassess the UN operation comes as the United States slashes funding for UN programmes and agencies, including security operations.